A Faith-Filled Blueprint for Buying Your First Property and Building Wealth

Odaisha Ajayi
Sep 7
4 min read

As Christian women entrepreneurs, we’re no strangers to vision. We dream big, we serve with purpose, and we trust God to multiply what we put in His hands.

But when it comes to real estate — whether it’s your first home or an investment property — it’s easy to feel like ownership is a “someday” goal… something for people with more savings, more time, or more knowledge than we have right now.

The truth? Homeownership is one of the most powerful ways to create stability for your family and build generational wealth that extends far beyond your lifetime. And it’s closer than many women realize.

Here’s a faith-aligned, practical blueprint to help you take your first steps toward property ownership with confidence — and strategy.

Step 1: Count the Real Costs — and Plan Like a CEO

As business owners, we know cash flow is king. When buying property, your purchase price is just one part of the equation.

Here’s what to budget for:

Earnest Money – Typically 1% of the purchase price, due within a few days of your offer being accepted. On a $200,000 property, that’s $2,000 you need immediately accessible.
Home Inspection – Usually $400–$600, depending on the size and type of property. This protects you from hidden issues that could cost thousands later.
Closing Costs – Can range from $1,600–$3,500 (sometimes more), covering title fees, lender fees, and recording costs.
Post-Move Expenses – Think cleaning supplies, locksmith changes, painting, and small repairs.
Emergency Cushion – Experts recommend setting aside at least 1–3 months’ worth of housing expenses for unexpected repairs or vacancies if you’re renting out part of the property.

When you view your purchase as a business investment, you plan for both the expected and unexpected — and that’s what keeps you in the game long-term.

Step 2: Start with a Strategy That Covers the Mortgage

One of the most effective entry points into real estate is house hacking — purchasing a multi-unit property, living in one unit, and renting out the others.

Benefits include:

Lower or No Housing Cost – Rental income can cover most (if not all) of your mortgage.
Faster Wealth Building – While living affordably, you’re also building equity.
Reduced Risk – Even during a vacancy, you’re likely covering part of your payment through other units.

Example: On a $200,000 duplex with a $1,500 monthly mortgage, renting the second unit for $1,000 means your housing cost drops to $500 — freeing up cash for your business, debt repayment, or savings.

Step 3: Build Equity Like You Build a Brand

Equity — the difference between what your property is worth and what you owe — is one of the most overlooked wealth-building tools.

Ways to grow equity quickly:

Buy Below Market Value – Look for properties that need cosmetic updates rather than major repairs.
Choose an Appreciating Neighborhood – Areas with new development, improving schools, or rising rental demand often see faster value increases.
Make Smart Improvements – Kitchen and bathroom updates, curb appeal, and energy-efficient upgrades often yield high returns.

Once you’ve built equity, you can leverage it through a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance to purchase your next property — without depleting your savings.

Step 4: Find Funding You Didn’t Know You Had

Many buyers are surprised at how much down payment assistance is available, especially for first-time buyers.

Key points to know:

Local Housing Authorities often offer grants that never need to be repaid if you meet certain requirements (like living in the home for a set time).
Lender Programs may offer their own grants or match your funds.
Stacking Is Allowed – You can often combine multiple grants to cover a significant portion of your upfront costs.

Real-life scenario: A buyer who combined a city grant with a lender’s first-time homebuyer program walked into her home with $22,000 in assistance — drastically reducing her financial burden.

Step 5: Partner With People Who Protect the Vision

In business, your partners can make or break your success. The same is true in real estate.

Look for:

A Realtor Who Educates – They should explain the buying process, provide market insights, and advocate for you in negotiations.
A Lender Who Strategizes – Even if you’re a year out from buying, a lender can help you create a plan to qualify for the best loan terms.
A Support Team – Inspectors, contractors, and property managers who are trustworthy and aligned with your goals.

Step 6: Keep God at the Center of Every Decision

While market trends and interest rates matter, they aren’t the ultimate guide. Timing your purchase is about more than numbers — it’s about alignment.

Practical ways to keep God in the process:

Pray for Clarity – Ask God to reveal whether the opportunity is right.
Seek Confirmation – Look for His peace, not pressure, before moving forward.
Trust His Timing – A “not yet” can protect you from financial strain or a property that’s not truly for you.

Sis, real estate is not just about property — it’s about stewardship. It’s about managing what God has entrusted to you, multiplying it, and leaving a legacy that outlives you.

If you’re ready to see what’s possible, listen to the full podcast episode where we walk through the entire home buying process step-by-step — including strategies, numbers, and practical encouragement to help you take your next move with confidence.

You can find the episode "Home Buying Process Step-by-Step (What No One Tells You About Real Estate Investing) w/ Karli Tatum" Here.

________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author:

Odaisha Calderon is a Real-estate investor, Certified Life & Business Coach, founder of The Woman of Power Group and Host of the Call Her Profitable Podcast. Odaisha empowers Christ-centered women to use their gifts to build Kingdom businesses for income and impact so they can be self-sufficient financially. You can connect with Odaisha on instagram @Thewomanofpowergroup, through email at Odaisha@thewomanofpowergroup.com or tune into the Call Her Profitable Podcast Here.